The Biblical Role of the Deacon – I Timothy 3:8-13; Mark 10:35-45

New Testament deacons serve the Lord by conducting the caring ministry of the church (caring for widows, benevolence, visiting the sick, being alert to the spiritual needs of the congregation) for the purpose of freeing the minister and ministerial staff to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word. Deacons are charged with promoting unity within the church, and facilitating the spread of the gospel.

The office of deacon is a spiritual leadership role expressed primarily as service done in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Paul's classic text on deacon qualifications, I Timothy 3:8-13, hints at this servant-leadership role, but Jesus' words, Mark 10:35-45, explicitly name the attitude of Jesus’ followers. When Jesus told the circle of twelve that he 'came not to be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many,' Jesus identified the most important quality of a deacon: one who serves in the spirit of Christ.

Consequently, over the past couple of decades, DBC has followed the Spirit into creating a servant-leader foundation for the diaconate.

Click here to learn more about the Deacon's Teaching Ministry.

Deacon Ministry Teams
Outreach Visitation Team
Purpose: To perform the "going in His Name" function as we seek to share the love of Christ among our members and those in our community.

Helping Hands Ministry Team
Purpose: To provide a helping hand and serve people who have a particular need.
Possible Service: Light maintenance such as changing batteries in smoke alarms, changing light bulbs, yard maintenance, and minor carpentry projects or repair. Encourage participation in Side by Side in Service.

Bereavement Team
Purpose: To visit immediately upon news of death. When possible consult with the "Little Flock" caregiver as well as church staff in order to best meet the needs of the bereaved. Chair, Vice Chair and one or two other deacons make first call as representatives of DBC offering condolences and service as needed by the bereaved. Leave card.

Teaching Ministry Team
Purpose: To provide spiritual teaching to our congregation and our community. To substitute for Sunday School Teachers who are absent and to teach special subjects or conferences as requested.

Youth Ministry Support Team
Purpose: Provide guidance and support for our Youth program as well as individual students by demonstrating Christian love and service in action.

New Baby Ministry Team
Purpose: Deacons and others to visit soon after new baby’s arrival.

Click to view the Deacon Rotation Classes